RATINGS From Arsenal’s 2-0 Win Over Crystal Palace

A hard fought win and one that sends us five points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Here are my ratings:

Szczesny 9/10 – Stunning double save in the 72nd minute to deny the hosts. It was a match winning effort from the Pole.

Sagna 8/10 – Excellent performance from Sagna. He was a warrior when we went down to 10-men and held the back line together. Also put in a great cross to find Grioud early in the second half but the striker put it wide.

Mertesacker 7/10 – Solid display from the big German, although Chamakh gave him more problems that he should to have.

Koscielny 7.5/10 – Good performance from Kos and he put his body on the line to keep us in the game when Palace were pressing for the equaliser.

Gibbs 7/10 – Not at his best going forward but was solid enough at the back.

Arteta 6.5/10 – Tucked away his penalty expertly but controversially sent off for a foul on Chamakh. I thought it was unfortunate but also I don’t think there was any need to put his hands on the Moroccan and give him an easy decision to go to ground. We all know the striker was never going to burst clear and score, so just let him go!

Flamini N/A – Forced off early with a groin injury.

Ramsey 8/10 – Forced a good save from Speroni from a tight angle in the first half but really came alive in the second half, especially when we went down to 10-men. Set up the second with a wonderful bit of play.

Cazorla 6.5/10 – Pretty subdued performance from the Spaniard, but we weren’t at our best and Palace did their best to stifle our free-flowing football. Subbed.

Ozil 7/10 – Was always a threat going forward, particularly on the break during the final 20 minutes. Never really had his magical boots on today but still oozes class.

Giroud 7/10 – Took his goal well and worked hard as always, but it was a frustrating display in many ways from the striker. His hold-up play wasn’t at it’s best and he missed a sitter to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute but put a free header from 6 yards wide of the post.

Subs:

Gnabry 7.5/10 – Excellent impact from the youngster. His superb turn won the penalty for the opener and he was a threat whenever he saw the ball.

Wilshere 6.5/10 – On for the final 15 minutes when Arteta was sent off and kept things ticking over in midfield.

Monreal 7/10 – On to shore things up but in fact ended up being a huge threat going forward, almost scoring with a lovely solo run.

So a vital win that moves us five points clear ahead of Liverpool’s game with West Brom today and Chelsea v Man City on Sunday. We’ve got a tough run coming up now so let’s hope Flamini’s injury isn’t too serious.